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Eastchester Union Free School District teacher Arlene O’Neill, age 47, was killed in a shooting at her Yonkers home on Chittenden Avenue on Wednesday morning, Oct. 16, according to Yonkers Police.
O’Neill, a fifth-grade teacher at the Anne Hutchinson School, was fatally shot by her husband, retired New York City Police Department officer Sean O’Neill, age 54, who then turned the gun on himself, the department said on Wednesday, adding that the couple's three children were home at the time and are now in the care of family members.
First responders immediately began trying to save O’Neill's life, but she was eventually pronounced dead at the scene.
Now in the days since her death, the Eastchester Board of Education is making sure school community members have access to support services as the district deals with the sudden loss.
"Mrs. O’Neill was not just an exceptional teacher but also a cherished member of our community who touched the lives of countless students and colleagues," the school board said in a statement, adding, "We will all miss Arlene very much and will spend many difficult moments grieving her loss."
According to the school board, the Anne Hutchinson School has received an outpouring of support from the district's other buildings, including the Waverly, Greenvale, Middle, and High schools, as well as parent-teacher associations.
"We are extremely grateful for the additional resources and support from our neighboring school districts and BOCES," the school board said, adding, "Let us hold Mrs. O’Neill and her family in our hearts and remember the joy and passion she brought into our lives."
O’Neill's three children are Eastchester students, according to district superintendent Ronald Valenti.
Other community members also memorialized O’Neill on social media following her death:
"Arlene O'Neill touched our lives as Nicholas' fifth-grade teacher and our entire family is better for that experience. She was kind, supportive, and a down-to-earth force for good," said Tuckahoe Board of Trustees member Nicole Engelbert.
Mikey Spillane's Pub in Eastchester also had kind words to say about O’Neill, calling her "the greatest mom to her three boys." The owners also said staff members would wear green on Friday night, Oct. 18 in her memory.
No further information about the murder-suicide has yet been released.
This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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